Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Victory, Says Election Reflects Will of the People

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election in the just-concluded governorship election.

Tinubu said Adeleke’s victory reflected the choice of Osun voters and described the outcome as a positive sign for the continued growth of democracy in Nigeria.

The President disclosed that he personally called Adeleke earlier on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory.

According to Tinubu, the result demonstrated the confidence Osun residents placed in the governor and expressed hope that Adeleke would use his second term to unite the people of the state.

“I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years,” Tinubu said.

The President urged Adeleke to reach out to residents across political divides and work towards the growth, stability and social and economic development of Osun State, regardless of how they voted during the election.

Tinubu also commended the other candidates who participated in the election, praising what he described as their courage and discipline throughout the electoral contest.

He said the participation of the various candidates contributed to Nigeria’s democratic culture and that the outcome of the election represented the will of the people.

“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President said.

Tinubu also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.

The President’s comments come after Adeleke secured re-election in the Osun governorship election, defeating his major challengers to retain control of the state for another four-year term.

He called on Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and expressed hope that the country’s democracy would become stronger.

“May our democracy continue to thrive and be strengthened,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu Urges Peaceful Osun Election, Says Every Vote Must Count

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on residents of Osun State to participate peacefully in Saturday’s governorship election, urging all stakeholders to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

In a statement ahead of the August 15 poll, Tinubu called on political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and voters to play their part in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, free and fair election.

The President said he had directed the Inspector-General of Police and the heads of security agencies deployed to Osun to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials and election materials throughout the election.

He stressed that no Nigerian should be prevented from exercising their constitutional right to vote because of fear, intimidation or violence.

“Every citizen must be able to exercise his or her right to vote without fear, intimidation or violence. There must be no room for anyone seeking to disrupt the process or undermine the peace of Osun State,” Tinubu said.

The President also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election professionally and with integrity, stressing the importance of ensuring that every lawful vote is properly recorded.

“Every vote must count. Every lawful vote must be properly recorded,” he said.

Tinubu described the Osun governorship election as the final off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, saying it provides INEC with another opportunity to demonstrate its preparedness and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The President appealed directly to Osun residents to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, while respecting the choices of other voters.

He reminded voters that elections should be about ideas and service rather than violence.

“Elections are contests of ideas and service, and should never cost the life of any Nigerian,” he said.

Tinubu said the Federal Government had put measures in place to support a peaceful election and reiterated that the responsibility of government was to protect both the electoral process and the people.

He maintained that the ultimate decision belongs to the people of Osun State and urged all political actors to respect the outcome of the election, regardless of which candidate emerges victorious.

“Whatever that decision may be, it must be respected,” the President said.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, with voters expected to choose the governor who will lead the state for the next four years.

The Real ‘Arindin’ Is Your Uncle — Sowore Fires Back at Davido Over Adeleke

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has hit back at Nigerian music star Davido after the singer described him as “Arindin” following his criticism of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The exchange began after Sowore criticised Adeleke’s administration, questioning the governor’s capacity to govern Osun State and accusing his elder brother, Adedeji Adeleke, Davido’s father, of having significant influence over the state government.

Sowore also criticised the condition of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, describing parts of the city as looking like a “war zone” and accusing the government of failing to provide basic infrastructure for residents.

Davido responded to the activist’s criticism by calling him “Arindin”, a Yoruba expression commonly used to describe an imbecile or foolish person.

Sowore, however, responded directly to Davido, turning his criticism towards the singer’s uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“The real arindin is your uncle, Ademola Adeleke, who had to go back and obtain the equivalent of a GED after he had already served as a Nigerian Senator,” Sowore wrote.

He also criticised Adeleke over his political relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the governor of putting political loyalty ahead of the interests of Osun residents.

“The real arindin is your uncle who chose Tinubu as his presidential candidate, apparently hoping that imbecilic political loyalty would allow your family to continue treating Osun State as a private estate to finance your extravagant lifestyle,” he added.

Sowore further extended his criticism to the Adeleke family, accusing them of benefiting from the suffering of Nigerians.

“All of you are the same anyway, oppressive, corrupt, incompetent, and entitled spoilt brats, feeding off the pain, suffering, and sorrow of Nigerians,” he said.

The AAC candidate concluded his response with a warning that Nigerians would eventually demand political change.

“But the tables will turn. The Nigerian people will not endure this forever,” Sowore wrote, adding the hashtag #RevolutionNOW.

The latest exchange comes amid heightened political activity in Osun State as political parties and their candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Sowore is supporting AAC governorship candidate Olajide Esan in the election, while Adeleke is seeking another term as governor of the state.

The public exchange between Sowore and Davido has attracted reactions online, with political discussions increasingly extending beyond campaign rallies to social media platforms.

INEC Says 81.5% of PVCs Collected Ahead of Osun Election

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 1,906,390 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

According to the Commission, Osun State has 2,339,233 registered voters, with the collected PVCs representing 81.50 per cent of the total number of registered voters.

INEC said the remaining 432,843 PVCs, representing 18.50 per cent, have been safely deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in line with the Commission’s established practice.

The Commission also disclosed that some registered voters whose PVCs were damaged, defaced or lost applied for replacement.

A total of 6,101 people who applied for replacement printed downloadable copies of their PVCs, according to the electoral body.

INEC said a detailed table showing the number of PVCs collected at each polling unit across Osun State has been published on its website.

The Commission also reassured political parties, civil society organisations, the media and residents of Osun State that it is fully prepared for Saturday’s election.

INEC said it remains committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, on August 13, 2026.

The Osun governorship election will hold on Saturday, August 15, with the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking re-election against candidates from several political parties.

Davido Mocks APC Rally in Osun, Says ‘You’ll Lose for the Third Time’

Afrobeats star Davido has reacted to the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Osogbo ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, had welcomed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other APC governors and party leaders to the state for the campaign rally.

In a post shared ahead of the event, Oyetola described the gathering as an opportunity for APC members and supporters to come together for what he called a peaceful and successful campaign.

He welcomed Akpabio, Uzodimma, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, other governors and party stakeholders to Osun State.

However, Davido, who has been actively campaigning for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, dismissed the significance of the APC gathering in a brief but pointed response.

Reacting to Oyetola’s post, the singer wrote:

“If you like gather Jesus 12 disciples o ma LULE for the 3rd time!!!!!”

Davido’s comment was a reference to the previous electoral defeats of the APC camp in Osun and his confidence that Governor Adeleke would retain the governorship seat.

The singer has become increasingly vocal in the Osun election campaign, publicly backing Adeleke and calling for a peaceful and credible election.

His latest comment comes amid an increasingly heated campaign season, with APC and Adeleke’s supporters trading criticism as the election draws closer.

The APC mega rally brought together some of the party’s biggest political figures as the party seeks to regain control of Osun State.

Adeleke defeated Oyetola in the 2022 governorship election after a closely contested race. The result was initially challenged in court before the Supreme Court ultimately affirmed Adeleke’s victory in 2023.

With the 2026 election now only days away, both camps have intensified their efforts to mobilise voters across the state.

Davido’s latest reaction is likely to generate further debate among supporters of the two major political camps as the final days of campaigning continue.

Fadahunsi Explains ‘Kill Accord’ Comment After Police Interrogation

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has explained what he told the police during his interrogation over a viral video in which he was allegedly heard directing supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party and their families.

Fadahunsi appeared before the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo on Wednesday as authorities continued investigations into the controversial remarks, coming just days before the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking with journalists after a closed-door session with officers at the Criminal Investigation Department of the command, the senator said he told investigators that his reference to “killing” Accord was not a call for physical attacks.

According to him, he was referring to defeating the Accord Party politically through votes at the forthcoming election.

Fadahunsi also claimed that the viral video had been edited and that his comments in Yoruba were deliberately misinterpreted.

“Well, we have met, and I have told them what I said, not the one manipulated by mischievous interpreters of our language,” he said.

The senator argued that the meaning of words used in Yoruba could vary depending on the context, insisting that his statement was about the electoral contest.

“I am a Yoruba man. If an Igbo or Hausa woman is interpreting Yoruba to me, Yoruba means many things,” he added.

Fadahunsi specifically maintained that his use of the word “kill” was in reference to defeating the opposition with votes.

“We said, come Saturday, election, we will kill them with our votes. Go and look at the video; it is almost 38 minutes,” he said.

He accused unnamed individuals of deliberately presenting his comments out of context and said he was considering legal action over what he described as a misleading interpretation of his remarks.

“A mischievous man, I don’t know where it comes from, whether it’s on drug or where, misinterpreted from somebody’s blog. So, we’ll wait until after this to see what we can do legally to search,” Fadahunsi said.

The senator’s interrogation follows widespread public concern over the video, which emerged amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Fadahunsi arrived at the police command at about 2:35 p.m., accompanied by the Commissioner of Police responsible for election and security matters, Samuel Erale.

His invitation came after the circulation of the video containing the disputed Yoruba remarks.

The controversy has already drawn reactions from political leaders, civil society organisations and security authorities.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier called for an investigation into the senator’s alleged comments, accusing him of making statements capable of inciting violence against members and supporters of the Accord Party.

Adeleke also called for Fadahunsi’s arrest, describing the alleged remarks as a potential threat to public safety ahead of the election.

The governor’s position has added another layer to the already heated political contest in Osun, where rival parties have traded allegations of intimidation, political violence and attempts to undermine the electoral process.

Amnesty International also weighed in on the controversy on Wednesday, calling for the allegation to be investigated.

The organisation described the reported remarks as potentially capable of encouraging violence and urged the relevant authorities to establish what was actually said and take appropriate action if the allegations were proven.

The police have meanwhile confirmed that Fadahunsi was interrogated as part of the investigation.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu Okokon, said the investigation remained ongoing and that the outcome would be made public after the process was concluded.

Okokon also assured residents that security arrangements had been strengthened ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The police have been under increasing pressure to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully amid concerns over political violence and inflammatory statements from actors across the political divide.

Fadahunsi’s explanation now places the focus on the full context of the viral video and whether his use of the word “kill” was indeed a political expression referring to defeating the Accord Party at the polls, as he claims, or whether it amounted to an instruction for physical violence.

The senator has denied the latter interpretation and insists that he was speaking about winning the election through votes.

The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive moment, with political parties intensifying their campaigns and supporters mobilising across the state ahead of Saturday’s election.

The August 15 poll is expected to be closely contested, with the major political parties seeking to secure the support of Osun voters.

As the police investigation continues, attention will remain on whether authorities will release further details about the senator’s statement and whether any charges will arise from the investigation.

For now, Fadahunsi maintains that his comments were misunderstood and that his intention was to encourage supporters to defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box rather than physically attack its members.

The police, however, have said they will complete their investigation before making a determination on the matter.

Sowore Leads AAC Campaign Walk in Osogbo, Says Osun Is Ready for Change

Omoyele Sowore has joined supporters of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Osogbo, Osun State, in a fresh campaign mobilisation for the party’s governorship candidate, Olajide Esan.

Sowore shared images and a message from the campaign on Wednesday, August 12, saying the streets of Osogbo were filled with supporters who turned out to back Esan ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

According to Sowore, the turnout reflected what he described as a growing desire among Osun residents for a different political direction.

“Today in Osogbo, Osun State, the streets came alive as we turned out in force to give our powerful support to the AAC gubernatorial candidate, Olajide Esan,” Sowore said.

He described the atmosphere as energetic and said the campaign was taking the party’s message of what he called “revolutionary change” directly to residents.

“The energy was electric, the enthusiasm was unmistakable, and the message from the people was clear to the effect that Osun is ready for a new direction!” he added.

The latest mobilisation comes just three days before the August 15 Osun governorship election, which has generated intense political activity across the state.

Esan, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and geographer, emerged as the AAC governorship candidate in December 2025. He is contesting alongside his running mate, Bello Muideen Yekeen. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of candidates included Esan among those cleared to contest the election. 

In recent days, Esan has continued to campaign around a message of citizen-centred governance, arguing that political leadership should serve the people rather than concentrate decision-making in the hands of politicians.

At a recent engagement in Osogbo, the AAC candidate said governance should return to the people and that leaders should be accountable to citizens. 

The campaign has also positioned Esan as an alternative to the major political parties contesting the election.

The AAC candidate has previously criticised rival candidates over their absence from a media-organised governorship debate, arguing that voters deserve the opportunity to hear candidates explain their plans and answer questions about the future of the state. 

Sowore’s appearance in Osogbo therefore adds another layer to the final stage of the AAC campaign. The activist and politician has remained one of the most prominent voices associated with the party since its formation, and his presence is expected to boost the party’s final mobilisation efforts.

In his message, Sowore insisted that the movement would continue taking its message directly to voters rather than relying solely on conventional political campaigning.

“We are taking the message of revolutionary change directly to the streets and to the people,” he said.

He also declared that there would be no retreat from the campaign.

“The movement is growing, and there is NO GOING BACK!”

The AAC campaign has consistently used its “Take It Back” message as part of its political identity, with Sowore calling on supporters to mobilise around demands for fundamental political and economic change.

The Osun election is expected to be closely watched because of the number of prominent political figures and parties involved. The contest includes incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam and other candidates, including AAC’s Olajide Esan. 

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, the competing parties have intensified their final campaigns across Osun.

For the AAC, Wednesday’s Osogbo mobilisation represents an attempt to demonstrate that the party has built a grassroots presence capable of challenging the established political forces in the state.

Sowore’s message also sought to frame the turnout as more than a campaign gathering, portraying it as evidence of growing public interest in an alternative political platform.

However, the ultimate test will come on election day, when Osun voters decide which candidate will receive their votes.

As the final campaign hours approach, all eyes are now on the state and whether the enthusiasm displayed at the various rallies will translate into votes at the polling units.

Sowore ended his message with the party’s familiar call to action: “AAC! TAKE IT BACK! ACTION!”